The Portland daily press., 1887-01-26

When the reading Of the address was con-
cluded, Canon Stills, as treasurer of the fund
for the testimonial stated that the contribu-
tions from the diocese had exceeded the
amount required for the altar rail by about
three hundred dollars, and that the surplus
would be placed to the bishops credit at his
bankers.
In his extempore reply the bishop spoke
from his heart, alluding to the surprise and
qualification he had experienced at this unex-
pected token of the affection of his people.
and thanking them all in a most touching and
Keeling manner for what they had done. The
testimonial had taken the form which he
could most have desired, and far more than
any personal gift did he value such an offer
ing, made for the identifying of that house
of God, which was the cathedral church of
the whole diocese.
The Bishops reply was followed by
short service OF benediction Of the altar rail
and dedication OF the other gifts made to
commemorate his anniversary. The COM
munion Office was said by the Bishop. as
sisted by Rev. Canon Leffingwell who read
the eplstle and Rev. DR.. Dalton who read
the gospel.
The Bishop preached upon the life and
labors of st. Paul. whose conversion the
church commemorated, and at the close of
his sermon alluded to the fact that the day
had been chosen for his conservation twenty
years ago without his knowledge, but that it
had Inspiration for him always in his work
anu Iiiat tuc SAcust lOr ms OMISSION OF any
particular reference to his own labors at
this time must be found in the feeling he
had that any such allusion would seem like
comparison between himself and the great
apostle, and that therefore it was better for
him and his people to stimulate themselves
by the example of the apostle than to listen
to the narratives OF work which had in 1t
many disc0uragements and only so small
an amount of success. What had been done
had been done under God, and to Him the
praise was due. In concluding the preacher
thanked the clergy and laity for their con-
slant support and invoked the Divine bless
ing upon them and the diocese over which
he had so long presided.
Most OF the large congregation remained
TO the molly communion. The Bishop was
assisted in the distribution of the elements
by Rev, Messrs. Gwynne and Sawyer and
Canon Stills. The service, which was fully
choral, lasted for nearly three hours and
was participated in by all with the greatest
Interest. The offerings amounted to $66.
The altar rail presented at this service is
very handsome. 1t consists of heavy oak
rail carved and having the text inscribed
upon.it In Thy Presence is Fnllness of
JOY" The rail is supported upon four
heavy brass standards, having their traceiy
In the form of grape vine entwined with
ears of wheat The two parts of the
rail are connected by a sliding gate of brass
upon which is the following inscription:
ITO the glory of God and in grateful recognition
Of the faithful labors of Right Rev. Henry Adam
Nicely, D. D., second bishop of Maine this altar
rail is erected by the clergy and laity of the do
ceSe on the the Feast of the Conversion of ST
raul, A. ID. 1887 being the twentieth anniversary
OF his conservation"
The cost of the rail was $500, and the
finish. -